Our Beauty Editor’s Honest Review Of Chanel’s Cream Bronzer

29th June 2023 | By Tamara Corin

It’s rare to find a product that stands the test of time and is also universally loved. However, Chanel’s Cream Bronzer appears to be an exception, with the hashtag #ChanelBronzer amassing over 200 million TikTok views and an ever-growing celebrity fan base.

In fact, every respectable makeup artist and A-lister has the newly renamed Chanel Les Beige Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream in their makeup arsenal, giving it a cult-status reputation. But at almost £50, it’s fair to ask whether it’s worth the higher price point. Our resident Beauty Editor, Tamara Corin, is here to weigh in.

Initial Impressions

I was first introduced to what was then called ‘Soleil Tan de Chanel’ by a fellow Beauty Editor who, back in the day, used to swear her luminous complexion was thanks to this cream bronzer. I swiftly went to Selfridges to buy it, gawped at the £40 price tag (which has now increased to £46), but swallowed the cost in my pursuit of glowy 90’s supermodel-esque skin. Fast-forward 14 years, and the same formula is now available in three shades that flatter and blend with various skin tones.

As for packaging, The Chanel Les Beige Bronzing Cream ticks all the right boxes when it comes to French chic, the lid is embossed with the signature interlocking Cs to reveal a satisfying swirl of mousse-textured cream, while the mega monochrome tub will instantly upgrade your makeup collection. This year also saw the launch of the dinky travel-size, so Chanel’s clearly investing in the product.

How To Apply

If like me, you like the ‘no-makeup’ makeup vibe, this is undoubtedly a product you need to create natural, effortless colour. I love the fact that on busy mornings I can blend the bronzer with my fingers, while on the days I have more time to spare, I buff in the pigment using a makeup brush to create a slightly more sculpted, warm finish.

The Final Result

I could go on and on about this product, but this bronzer gives my skin the perfect balance of dewiness and glow without being sheeny, it works well with products but beautifully on its own, it perks up skin in a flash, and the texture is nothing short of fabulous – velvety, smooth, melts into skin and a hefty tub that lasts and lasts.

The Verdict

Everything about this product screams ‘class’. If you haven’t yet joined the cult following, I highly recommend you do. You’ll get your £46 worth for sure!

The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.


Want to receive more great articles like this every day? Join our daily email now